Dental Procedure Pain: Get the Facts

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Dental Procedure Pain: Get the Facts

I recently visited the dentist and received the news that I needed a root canal. Even though I care for my teeth well, a filling I had as a child fell out one day without me noticing. (I have a bad habit of chewing on ice...) I didn't have it replaced for months, so the root canal was needed to restore the tooth. I was so scared! I had heard the stories of root canals being painful, and I hesitantly had the work done expecting the worst. I was in shock that I had virtually no pain during, or after, the procedure when I took my medications as prescribed. I created this blog to help others who are putting off dental work in fear of pain. I learned that the stories I heard were greatly exaggerated or just "old wives tales" about root canal pain. Don't be afraid!

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3 Important Things To Do When Preparing For Invasive Dental Procedures

Dental care has come a long way since the American Dental Association (ADA) was created back in 1859. But even with improvements in techniques, tools, and technology, invasive dental procedures are still dreaded by many patients. Luckily, there are some preparations that dental patients can make before their procedure to improve their comfort level and speed their healing times after tooth extractions and dental implants. If your dentist has scheduled you for an invasive dental procedure, doing the following things can help you enjoy a less stressful and more comfortable experience. 

Schedule sufficient time off to relax and allow for proper healing

While today's tooth extractions and dental implant procedures utilize the latest advancements to ensure the patient enjoys the best possible recovery, rest is still an important component of the aftercare process. Patients who can schedule a few days off work to relax and recuperate at home will likely be better able to avoid complications and enjoy faster healing than those who attempt to work straight through. In addition to work, patients may also want to restrict strenuous exercises or activities until their surgical wound is healed and any pain and inflammation has resolved. 

Provide for proper nutrition and hydration while healing

Many dental surgery patients assume they will not be hungry after their procedures and discount the importance of having the right foods on hand. Even though you may not be hungry for a few hours after the procedure due to discomfort, bleeding, or the anesthetics used in the procedure, having some appropriate foods prepared and ready to consume is an important part of maintaining proper nourishment and hydration while you heal. Good foods to consider include: 

  • smoothies and milkshakes
  • soups and stews
  • pasta dishes
  • baked fish 
  • commercially available nutritional shakes
  • bottle waters, juices, or decaffeinated teas 

Remember to avoid carbonated products, alcohol, and foods that may be difficult to chew, such as nuts, fried foods, and chips, that may interfere with the healing process.  

Make necessary changes to prepare for a safe surgery and faster recovery

Another important preparation to make is to discuss any supplements, prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and supplements you take with your dentist well before the date of the procedure. Aspirin and many other compounds and products can interfere with the blood clotting process and create a risk for excessive bleeding during or after invasive dental surgeries like implants and extractions. 

In addition to these preparations, dental patients who are facing an invasive dental procedure should also remember to discuss the details of their procedure with their dental care team, including any questions they may have about pain and infection risks, and how to manage both during recovery.   


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